10+ Best Science Experiment Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to ignite a spark of curiosity and excitement in your young scientist? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of Science Experiment Books for 10-Year-Olds is packed with thrilling and educational adventures that promise to keep their minds buzzing with ideas and questions. Keep reading to explore a variety of books that make science fun and accessible, turning complex concepts into engaging experiments that they can enjoy hands-on. Let's dive in and discover the perfect book to inspire your child's next scientific discovery!

Fun Science Experiment Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book unlocks the wonders of science with easy-to-follow experiments that can be done with everyday items found at home. It covers various aspects of science including physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to make science fun and accessible, encouraging children to learn through hands-on activities.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who love to explore how things work and enjoy conducting experiments.

• Kitchen Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book presents 52 family-friendly experiments that explore the science behind cooking and everyday kitchen activities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It shows how science is present in everyday life, making it relatable and interesting, which can spark a lifelong interest in learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy cooking or baking and are curious about the science behind it.

• Outdoor Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke
  • Genre(s): Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: Features 52 experiments for young scientists to do outside, helping them explore the natural world through scientific inquiry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages outdoor play and learning, combining physical activity with intellectual stimulation.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love to be outdoors and are curious about nature and the environment.

• Awesome Science Experiments for Kids by Crystal Chatterton
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Over 100 STEAM experiments designed to teach kids about science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
  • Why we recommend this book: It includes a wide range of fun and educational experiments that help build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who enjoy a mix of learning and play and have a wide range of interests.

• The Curious Kid's Science Book by Asia Citro
  • Genre(s): Science, Inquiry-based Learning
  • Synopsis: Encourages children's natural curiosity through inquiry-based learning with a variety of open-ended science activities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and empowers kids to create their own experiments, fostering a sense of innovation and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive young minds that thrive on asking questions and discovering answers through experimentation.

Educational Science Experiment Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Exploratopia by Pat Murphy, Ellen Macaulay, and the staff of the Exploratorium
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book is filled with more than 400 pages of experiments and explanations designed to encourage curiosity and critical thinking.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and experimental procedures
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a hands-on approach to learning that engages children directly with physical activities and experiments.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy interactive and practical learning experiences.

• Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share by Ken Denmead
  • Genre(s): Science, DIY Projects
  • Synopsis: Provides a variety of unique, educational DIY projects for parents and children to build and explore together.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering principles, creativity, and teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great resource for bonding over shared interests in science and technology, fostering both educational and relational growth.
  • Perfect for: Dads (and moms!) looking to engage deeply with their kids through fun and educational activities.

• The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science by Sean Connolly
  • Genre(s): Science, Humor
  • Synopsis: Features 64 daring experiments that challenge kids to explore different scientific principles in fun, sometimes messy ways.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of basic physics and chemistry, experimental risk-taking
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science exciting and accessible, encouraging kids to think outside the box and embrace the messier side of science.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a bit of mischief and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty while learning.

• Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes: Unforgettable Experiments That Make Science Fun by Steve Spangler
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: A collection of engaging, easy-to-perform experiments designed to be both fun and informative.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, observational skills, and analytical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms ordinary household items into extraordinary scientific experiments, making science magical and approachable.
  • Perfect for: Young experimenters who are eager to learn science in a fun, memorable way.

• Smithsonian Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects by Jack Challoner
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Art
  • Synopsis: Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, this book features 28 kid-friendly projects that cover a wide range of STEAM topics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: STEAM skills, creativity, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a well-rounded introduction to the integration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
  • Perfect for: STEAM enthusiasts who enjoy crafting and learning through making.

Challenging Science Experiment Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Supercharged Science Projects for Kids: The Surprising Science Behind 50 Experiments You Can Do at Home! by Paige Hudson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the science behind 50 different experiments, explaining the principles in a detailed, yet understandable way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It goes beyond simple demonstrations to explore complex scientific theories and encourages kids to think critically about the outcomes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deepens understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on learning and helps develop a solid foundation in scientific inquiry.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are not only interested in 'how' but also 'why' things happen in science.

• Physics Experiments for Children by Muriel Mandell
  • Genre(s): Physics, Educational
  • Synopsis: The book offers a series of physics experiments designed to be performed at home or in a school setting, explaining fundamental physics concepts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces basic principles of physics through experiments that require careful observation and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a practical approach to understanding physics, encouraging young readers to explore and appreciate the laws that govern the physical world.
  • Perfect for: Young physicists and curious minds who are eager to explore the mechanics of the world around them.

• The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This book explains the workings of machines and technology from simple tools to the digital age, illustrated with detailed drawings.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of mechanical and digital technologies in depth, requiring readers to engage with complex ideas and systems.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies how everyday objects and systems work, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of technology.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids and those interested in understanding the mechanics behind how things work.

• Janice VanCleave's 202 Oozing, Bubbling, Dripping & Bouncing Experiments by Janice VanCleave
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Provides a variety of engaging science experiments focusing on chemistry and physics, with clear explanations of the science involved.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages detailed scientific experimentation with a focus on observation and results interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and fun, encouraging experimentation and discovery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love hands-on learning and are excited by the prospect of conducting real scientific experiments.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This is the inspiring story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from drought, explained with scientific insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines a complex real-world application of science and engineering with an inspiring personal story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of ingenuity and science to change lives, providing a powerful and motivating real-life example.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and anyone interested in how science can be applied to solve real-world problems.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of science experiment books for your 10-year-old, you're on a fantastic path to fostering a love for both reading and science. To make this journey even more effective and enjoyable, here are some exercises designed to enhance reading habits and comprehension skills. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Create specific, measurable reading goals, like finishing a chapter a day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and gives a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Use a calendar to track progress and celebrate when goals are met.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and sweet; try to stick to three sentences or less.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book's content with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows for the exchange of ideas.
  • Tips: Try to discuss what you read the same day to keep details fresh.

• Science Diary
  • What it is: Keep a diary dedicated to science experiments and concepts learned.
  • How it helps: Helps integrate reading with practical application and reinforces learning.
  • Tips: Include drawings or charts to make the diary more engaging and informative.

• Predict the Next Experiment
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter or experiment, predict what it might involve.
  • How it helps: Stimulates curiosity and active thinking while reading.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and compare them with the actual experiments later.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special, comfortable spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Decorate the nook with items that inspire creativity and calm, like soft pillows or artwork.

• Illustrate the Concepts
  • What it is: Draw or create visual representations of the concepts read about.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through visualization and creativity.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to make the illustrations vibrant and fun.

By integrating these exercises into your child's reading routine, you're not just helping them develop a love for books, but you're also equipping them with critical thinking and comprehension skills that are essential for academic success. So, grab those books, get set, and let the science adventures begin! Happy reading!